The feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment to evaluate sleep, family functioning, and affect in patients with pediatric craniopharyngioma.

Purpose/objectives: We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment (mEMA) for youth with craniopharyngioma and evaluate daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep difficulties.

Design/research Approach: Youth completed two mEMA diaries per day for one week.

Sample/participants: Thirty-nine youth who underwent surgery and proton radiotherapy (when indicated) for craniopharyngioma.

Methods/methodological Approach: Descriptive statistics and multi-level modeling were used to examine feasibility and acceptability of mEMA and daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep.

Findings: Youth reported satisfaction and minimal burden from completing daily mEMA diaries. Poorer family functioning was not related to lower sleep efficiency.

Conclusions/interpretation: mEMA is an acceptable and feasible method for evaluating sleep and related variables in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma.

Implications For Psychosocial Providers Or Policy: Results highlight the utility of gathering mEMA data in youth at elevated risk for sleep difficulties as a function of their illness/treatment.